keep it simple and try it a lot ...

If you only ever read this one post, take this piece of advice -- keep it simple and try it a lot. Whatever the "IT" is. Doesn't matter how big or small the "IT" is. So, let me "unpack" this little rule of thumb.

First, keep it simple. The single hardest part of making something happen is taking the first step, and almost always that's because we make the first step way too complicated. A simple first step has two aspects -- it moves in the right direction, and it is big enough that you can learn something. Learning doesn't mean you have to fail, by the way. It just means that you gain insight and understanding (and courage to keep going) that you didn't have before you took it.

Second, try it a lot. That doesn't mean beating your head against a wall or obsessing. It means that as you learn, make small tweaks, and try it again. And again. Everyday, with anything you care about and want to make happen. The simplest way to try it is to come up with a version of your "IT" that you can share with someone else and get their thoughts. Don't even have to draw it on a napkin, though stick figures are fine.

Eventually you realize that the things you care about and want to make happen are not ever finished per se -- like all living things, they grow and adapt and change. Eventually you realize that anything big and important doesn't happen all at once. It grows through countless simple versions that grow more sophisticated and beautiful as you try them, learn, try them again, etc. And remember, "done" always means "done for now."

None of this happens if you don't start.

There is of course a lot more to say about this, how to do it, how to be resilient, and I'll say more in future posts. For now, whatever that thing is that you would love to make happen, or are just curious about, go tell someone about it, listen to what they have to say, make any tweaks, and tell someone else ...